In 2005, careful yield management and a truly ideal fall ripening climate gave them wines with structure, refined tannins, elegance and potential for long aging. The 2005 Quintessa opens with beautiful complexity, perfume and nuance on the nose. In the glass, the wine amplifies with time and a quiet entry builds to a structured, solid mid-palate with dense black fruit. Its long finish unfolds with exquisitely supple tannins and a caress of sweet fruit.

"Quintessa’s been on a roll the last several vintages, with the 2004 knocking it out of the park, but the ’05 isn’t quite in the same league. Hard to say why, except that production was higher than ever. The tannins leap out first, big and hard in the way of a young Cabernet, and immediate gratification is not what this wine is about. But it has impressive black currant flavors and needs time. Should be best after 2010. Tasted twice. — S.H. (12/15/2008)
" -Rated 88, Wine Enthusiast

"Full ruby-red. Complex aromas of currant, mocha, tobacco leaf, smoke and spicy oak. Suave on entry, then distinctly firm-edged in the middle, but with good intensity to the flavors of dark cherry, currant, licorice and herbs. In a rather Old World style, with a restrained sweetness and a light leafy quality. Finishes with firm, building tannins that will require time in bottle to soften." -Rated 89, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"In is hard not to be taken in by the lovely, sweet oak perfumes that take the early lead here, yet there is plenty of bright, young fruit beneath its vanillin veneer, and the wine proves to be fairly complete. Only a slight last-minute drop-off in fruit holds it back from higher award just now, but we do not rule out its chances for better as its knits together and hopefully expands with a stay of a few years in the cellar." -Rated 90, Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines